ISHQBAAZI

CH.|3|

~MISHTI

I stood there embarrassed, my eyes locked onto Reyansh, as his laughter bursted like a thunderstorm, drawing everyone's attention.

Mom's worried voice was drafted from downstairs, "Is everything alright up there?"

I composed myself, "Yes, mom, don't worry."

I quickly turned towards the culprit, his smile turned into a smirk.
"Have you gone mad?" I whispered, my hands impulsively covering his mouth.

"Could you please spare my mouth,kid?"
Reyansh whispered, his Dark voice filled with sarcasm. "I'm dying to breathe again, but your palms are an excellent oxygen barrier."

I rolled my eyes, snatching my hands back.
"Sorry to inconvenience your lungs, you might have died right?" I snapped.

Reyansh chuckled, the sound sending butterflies through my stomach.

"Oh don't worry, I'll survive," he said, his eyes glinting. "But your mom might not, if she sees you like this."

My eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean by that?"

"Trying to hurt your guest, is it appropriate?"
He snapped his eyebrows curved.

"Thanks for the reminder, MR.ANNOYING!"
My voice sounded low, I stepped back.

Reyansh grinned.
"Anytime, Miss. NONSENSE!"

I glared at Reyansh, not expecting my legs to  betray me. My feet slipped on the spilled water, and I felt myself falling.

But before my body could hit the ground, a pair of strong, veiny hands wrapped around my waist. Sending shivers down my spine. Reyansh's warm breath caressed my ear.

"Watch out," he whispered, his voice low and husky.

My heart skipped a beat.
No, no, no! This can't be happening!, you dumb Mishti, being a cardiologist your heart can't flutter this way!.
I scolded myself, trying to maintain composure.

But Reyansh's grip only tightened.
His chest pressed against mine, making my body shiver.

I felt his heartbeat, steady and calm, unlike mine, which raced like a marathon runner.

"Let me go," I whispered, trying to sound calm.

But Reyansh's hands lingered.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening.

For a moment, our eyes locked.
And I saw something there, something that made my heart race even more.

But it vanished, replaced by his signature smirk.
"You're quite the clumsy doctor."

his grin loosened, I stood straight fixing myself.
My eyes blazed into his. " Whatever, don't you wanna use the restroom?"

"No, I'm fine now," Reyansh replied, turning to leave.
But then he stopped, turned back, and smirked.
"I won't forgive you until you convince me and beg for forgiveness."
My eyes narrowed.
Couldn't expect more from this cold iceberg."Assh!" I shuttered under my breath.

***

~MISHTI

Lost in thought, I nourished the morning incident.
Reyansh's hands wrapped around my waist. His warm breath on my ear.

"Watch out."
My heart skipped another beat.

"What does he really want? Can't he just forgive and close the matter?" I wondered.